Tipper - adrenal tumor/breathing issues

Lettie:
I hope Simba's temperature has come down. A regular people thermometer does work. Did you find out what is causing the fever? Could there be an infection? GOd Bless you Both
Patti

Hi Mel:
Good to hear fom you. I am such a nervous wreck I will be up all night. When the hospital called to confirm Tipper's appointment, I wanted to cancel it. I am scared to death for her. Please keep her in your prayers as I need your strength. God Bless you.
Patti

I am right here with you giving you all the positive mojo I can

I know it's so scary, you need to know but you don't want to know, I pray for you both.

Does the medicine seem to have helped the last couple of nights?

Hi Everyone:
Well tomorrow morning is Tipper's procedure. I am a nervous wreck. I know I will not sleep a wink. This will be the longest hour of my life, waiting for her to wake up from anesthesia. I have prayed a million times over for nothing serious to be wrong with her, but I am scared to death. I am getting everything ready- the car with her bed I make up for her since she can no longer sit that long in her car seat, some food, camera, files etc. It is all ready to go a 6:00am. It will be extremely hard to go 3 hours with her not eating, but I simply cannot afford a motel on top of all this other stuff it will be 3000.00. This will either be the best or worst day of my life. I have prayed for a miracle for her, and now it will be God's will. Please everyone pray for her tomorrow morning, I need you all with me in spirit, to make it thru this. Yesterday was my birthday, and all I wished for was for my Tipper not to have any more problems that cannot be corrected easily. God Bless Us All.
Patti

You should have mentioned it was your birthday!

Happy belated birthday for yesterday. I hope you and your girlie did something nice together

I will definitely be with you what time is her appointment, so I know to think of her as there is five hours difference between us....

Oh Patti, Happy Birthday. We will all be with you tomorrow. I'll light a candle for Tipper too.

We are all right by your side, Patti, today, tomorrow, always. Candles are burning all over the place for you both, prayers rising. You are not alone, honey, never alone.

Spend some special times with Tipper today. If she's up to a special walk or ride somewhere she really likes, go. If there is something she really likes to eat, give her some. If she has a favorite toy, play with her. Do some things today that bring you both joy and try to stay focused on those good things just for today....said the kettle to the pot. ;)

And....

:):) Happy Birthday, Patti! :):)

Happy Belated Birthday Patti <3

Praying that everything goes well for Tipper today! xoxo

Daisy is at Cornell as I type this getting her first ACTH test since starting Trilostane. Hoping that the results confirm that she's doing well on the low dose and that we can continue at that dose.

Happy belated birthday Patti!

I will definitely be keeping you and Tipper in my thoughts and prayers, wishing you both the best of luck.

Love and hugs, Lori

Happy Birthday!! Good luck tomorrow. We will all be waiting & praying. ;)

Happy belated birthday Patti!

You know that we will be right there by your side in spirit!!

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Thinking of you, hope your doing ok?

Thinking of you too

Happy belated birthday, prayers for you and Tipper!

Happy Belated Birthday Patti, I'll be sending fairies and little angels to make you and the pretty Tipper rest very well tonight to get ready for the procedure on Friday. I'll have you both in my prayers.

2 hours till we leave, am up and ready to go!

Thinking lots of positive thoughts for you and Miss Tipper

We are all right by your side, hope you can feel us there.

Big hug to you

Kisses and bellies rubs for Tipper the Ripper. Be strong girlie. Paws up

Mel
Xxxxxxx

Hi Patti
Happy birthday for the other day, I hope your pressie will be a good report on Tipper today, will be thinking of you and sending all my best wishes your way. Good Luck xx

Mornin' Patti,

I hope you and Tipper got some rest last night. We are all with you today and praying for the best outcome. I've lit a candle for ya'll this morning. Let us know what you learn when you can....remember, you are not alone, honey.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Hope you are both holding up ok. Sending some more positive mojo

Hope everything is okay. Just checking in

Thinking of you both

Hugs
Sharlene

Hi Everyone:
What a day. Tipper in the car fasting with no food and water is not a fun trip. She was very ansy the whole time and kept whinning to me for food and water. I felt really bad it was starting to make me sick I felt so bad.On arrival I told the receptionist I would rather wait in the car with Tipper as she gets anxiety from being at the vets all the time. After they took me in they said the Dr. would be in right away. I guess 1/2 hour meant right away. I had to hold Tipper up in my arms for the whole time as her anxiety got the best of her. The Dr. came in and quickly introduced herself told me what she was going to do and what she thought. She said firstly Tipper does not have Tracheal Disease. I said well my Vet said she does, she said well he is wrong so get that out of your head. Then she asked me a few questions about her Cushings. I told her I had Dr. Peterson for a consult and he said the usage of prednisone probably predisposed Tipper to the Cushings. She said no you are wrong he would never say that. I said why would I come here and lie about what a specialist told me about my dog? She made not attempt to answer. I asked where the anesthesiologist was and she said there isn't one today so I will do it. I told her no I want an anesthesiologist. She very smartly said ok you will have to reschedule an appointment. First of all when I made this appointment they told me one would be there along with a heart Dr. as Tipper's heart is supposedly slightly enlarged. Secondly, she didn't even want to hear about Tipper's history, or see any of her 1 foot thick file and bloodwork, tests etc. I said I need to think all this over and can I see the heart Dr? She left and sent the heart Dr. in to see me. The heart Dr. was a completely different type of caring, kind, and concerned Dr. She gave Tipper an echocardiogram, and a test to see if her heart muscle is working properly. She told me Tipper has some leakeage of her Mitral Valve that is minor. Her valve has thickened with age,and it happens in smaller dogs she told me. It is only leaking a small amount from thickening form age. She said Tipper probably would get no symptoms for 3-5 years from it, if at all. She said because her heart muscle was so strong and working very well she is lucky. It is because she has always had a lot of exercise and it kept her heart in excellent shape. Also she said that Tipper's heart is not enlarged and is normal size!! Do you really know who to believe at this point??? I then paid the 700.00 bill and left. I would never, never ever let a Vet work on my dog without an anesthesiologist there. Also no IMS no matter how big her ego is or how much she thinks she knows will do any procedure on my Tipper without going over her tests, bloodwork, and extensive history. I was so peed off you have no idea, I was boiling. She is lucky I did not send her out of the room with a black eye. How dare someone have the nerve to treat my Tipper with no regard for her safety whatsoever. The first thing I said to her was Tipper's safety is paramount to anything else. She spent maybe 10 minutes with me and was wanting to get out of the room and move on with things. This is totally unacceptable to me. I am just exhausted from all of this today, not to mention my poor Tipper fasting, no water, no Vetoryl all morning. So I have decided that all of these idiots with the big educations, and the big egos can forget my business. I researched a drug that dries up mucus, etc. and asked my vet about it last week if Tipper could have it. I needed to know if it raised or lowered her blood pressure, or interacted with the Vetoryl. He said no it was safe. I stopped at the drugstore and got some and when she got done eating dinner I gave her 1/2 tablet. I wanted to do it while the Vets are in in case she has a reaction, as she can be allergic to things. Well she has had it for about 2 hours now and so far so good. I want to see if this helps with the sticky noise I hear in her mouth when she is sticking her tongue out. I am wondering since she now snores because of the Cushings if she has post nasal drip, and if it is thick and clogging her throat?????That could be why she is opening her mouth real wide to try and clear her throat. Since this drug will not hurt her, it is worth a try to prevent her having to go to another Dr. Who knows it could work. I have never been so disgusted with a Dr. I am writing the owner of the hospital, and telling him she was not even worth the 150.00 she charged me for her half baked consult, and I want a partial refund. I am not going to put up with this kind of treatment. So I know about Tipper's heart now which is important and if she needs anesthesia for something I know she can withstand it. The rest of the throat mystery is still unsolved unfortunately. Hopefully this drug will help her and end all of this worrying. This is the worst money I have ever thrown away while treating Tipper.
This next thing will really get to you. As I was sitting in the waiting room while Tipper got her echo a couple came in and sat near me with a small Scotty dog. They told me they were from Penn State and had come far. I told them I know how far it is as my dad went to school there. I said what is wrong with your dog, and they said he has Cushings disease and our Vet does not know how to treat it. What are chances of this I ask you????? I almost fell out of my chair. I told them my Tipper had it too. There are so many dogs coming down with this it needs to be researched. I am going to ask my Vet when you want someone to start a researh project for dogs how you go about it. I swear if it's the last thing I do I will get one started or die trying. I don't mean to ramble on so I will add anything I forgot to this tomorrow as I am exhausted, and need to rest for a while. God Bless You All and all your precious babies.
Patti

Oh Patti, I am so sorry they let you both down. How frustrating to go that distance and then to come away 700 bucks down and none the wiser. I am mad for you both

I don't understand why they would be in that career and not care enough to look through all the info to ensure they know everything before starting. I too would have walked out

Go for the whole refund as you specifically asked for the anesthesiologist to be there, they weren't so she never did or told you anything to warrant the fee

omg....what an awful ordeal for both of you! You have been so concerned about this and then to be treated in such a way. I don't blame you one bit for wanting that money back or for telling the hospital the way she made you feel. She sounds a lot like Squirt's first IMS. gggrrrrrrrr

I hope the OTC med does wonders for Tipper tonite and you both get some good solid sleep. Let us know how things went in the morning. Sweet dreams to you both!

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Well Really!!! I am completely disgusted on yours and Tippers behalf. This is completely unacceptable that they would not have an anesthesiologist there when one was specifically requested and assurance were made.

I'm glad that you did get some answers about Tippers heart and that is reassuring at least, but that IMS is just out to lunch. Really, some people are in the wrong business.

Oh that poor little dog. He was probably going to be seen by the same IMS too. :( How heart breaking.

One of the absolute main things that bothers me with cushings, is that vets Don't always know what they are doing and won't admit it. Instead they just treat willy nilly and go on about their day as if they have not in fact caused more harm than good. :( That is frustrating and heart breaking and just maddening.

I hope that what you found will work for Tipper. There has to be a smart, compassionate IMS around somewhere! arggghhhh

Okay, you get some rest. I am sure you and Tipper are both exhausted. Maybe the little guy you met will find us on the forum and we can help his parents. I sure hope so.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Patti.
That is beyond disgusting and I also think that you should report this vet to the veterinary association! I'm hoping that the couple didn't have an appointment with the same specialist.

I can't believe what gall she had!!!!!

Get some rest sweetheart. I hope that the meds work and Tippers"s heart being strong is good news!

OMG this is truly disgusting, unbelievable. You should complain to the clinic to everyone you can, today you saved Tipper from this idiot/ monster, but we all have experienced how intimidating this "almighty vets" can be, when we go scared and vulnerable with our babies into their offices and believe we can trust them with our pets:confused:....until one day we wake up.

How on earth can she dismiss Tipper's history? Negate Cushings? And perform herself anhestesia? Cush dogs need an anhestesiologist ALWAYS, because they need to monitor very closely their Blood Pressure, the whole experience is appalling.

I'm so sorry that you and Tipper had to endure this whole day, plus all the anxiety of the appointment. Hope you and Tipper have a deep and relaxing sleep.

http://www.vetabusenetwork.com/savetoc.htm

Patti,

I am so very thankful for Dr. Morgan at Cornell. I wish that you were nearby. I would gladly keep you company while you and Tipper wait.

Praying that the meds help her!

Morning

Hope you are ok and that you both managed to get some rest last night?

Thinking of you, hugs to you and kisses for Tipper

Mel
Xxx

Love a duck.... this is terrible, I do not like her bedside manner at all. There is no need to pay $150 for a whole lot of nothing. Good to hear Tipper's heart is beating away nicely though. I am glad the cardiologist lived up to expectations.

I have forgotten what procedure Tipper was having, was it endoscopy to see what is the problem in her throat? What type of anaesthetic is needed for this? I would have thought very light anaesthetic as it is pretty quick? If that was the case I think doing it without an anaesthetist would be fine as it is a simple procedure and risks involved would be very low. It does not sound like she outlined risks of procedure/anaesthetic so you could make informed decision, or maybe you did which is why you decided not to have the test done. Your stress levels must be through the roof, poor Tipper still not knowing what the problem is.

Hope you managed to get some rest after that horrible day, I would complain too, you and Tipper deserve better treatment than that.

Trish

Hi Everyone:
Well Tipper and I both slept last nite. She got up early though at 6:15 and wanted me up. She is so cute the way she sticks her face in mine and waits to see my eyes open. I cannot resist getting up when she does this.
The over the counter meds I gave her seemed to help -about 50% better. I think I am on to something here. I hope if I give them to her for a few days this will completely go away. Can we actually be that lucky??? She did attempt to clear her throat, but not too much of a sticky sound, and very little throat clearing!! I am wondering if she has post nasal drip, but the viscosity of it is so thick that when it starts to go down her throat, it kind of blocks her airway from being so thick?? The reason I am thinking this is, I mentioned her eyes with the white mucus in the morning and they are all connected. I just gave her another pill so we will see what happens tonight after she gets the bedtime dose.
We have both recovered from yesterday. You know I feel sorry for people that do not know any better and trust the sole judgement of these so called professionals. That is where a lot of trouble starts if you do not arm yourself with information. Some of these vets would rather do the wrong thing than admit they do not know what to do.
Many of my neighbors called to see how Tipper made out. I was worn out after explaining it so many times. Some did not understand my decision on not letting that idiot do the procedure, they just don't get it. My Tipper is safe and that is all I care about. I am not taking her anywhere else until I see if this drug works on her. If it doesn't, I want a full history on the next person I take her to before going and want to talk to some previous people that have taken their pet there.
Tipper was elated that we are not going anywhere and that she is back to her routine, and getting her breakfast and walking. The heart Dr. told me what a lovely Jack Russell she was during the echo, and that she is more behaved than any other Jacks she has seen. She said keep on being vigilant with her and she can possibly live her life out. I can only hope and pray that is true. Tipper and I are just so glad yesterday is over and we will go on from here. I think I may take her over to the farm to watch the llamas today, she so enjoys that, and deserves it!! I will however compose a letter to the owner of the hospital later and let him know about this Dr. and how we were treated. God Bless you All and all your babies.
Patti

I totally understand. It was like when Zoe had her neck growth rupture last summer and I was assured the surgeon would do the procedure and then when we went to pick Zoe up we found out the IMS did it:eek:

Boy was I ticked off:eek: They tell us one thing when we call and schedule things and then have no regard to how we feel when they change it . I guess because they "are just dogs":eek::mad: They should have explained it to you.


So I totally understand how ticked off you are. With this last surgery, I grilled the surgeon about would there be any reason she would not do the surgery on the scheduled day, would someone else end up doing it. I think I grilled her and pressed her for a good ten minutes this last time so she knew I would accept no one else and if she was not availabe the surgery would be cancelled. End of story;)


(((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))

Thanks Everyone for all your comments on our horrible day yesterday, I am in the process of formulating a letter to the owner of the hospital. God Bless Patti

Patti
I'm ELATED that the new med is working! Could be that Tipper's allergies have gotten that bad really. My father is suffering big time and we're waiting for the doc to prescribe a prescription for the first time in his life. Daisy's eyes are weepy for the same reason so I have to keep an eye on that.

I'm glad that the heart specialist was the opposite of the other.

Oh my goodness what a terrible day you had, I'm shocked at how they treated you and your precious Tipper. Forsure write a letter, thats bad and the vet is a specialist...wow, glad that Tipper is doing well now!!! sending hugs!!

Hi Everyone:
I wasn't able to judge if Tipper was having any trouble swallowing last night as she went in the closet. It was supposed to rain and I guess she sensed the change in barometric pressure. I am bummed that I was unable to see if this is helping her. I will have to check tonight. Otherwise she had a good day with plenty of walks. I got her a harness with an ice pack that goes in the bottom of it where her heart is. Dogs with heart disease have a hard time cooling their body core. I only walk her in the morning and evening when the sun is down. When it warms up I will start using the pack- you put it in the freezer. We are due for some more rain today so I better get all her walks in before hand. God Bless Us All and our babies.
Patti

Hi Everyone:
Well Tipper went in the closet again last night, so I was unable to monitor her as far as the mucus drug goes. I will try again tonight. I have however noticed a downturn in her health, I can't exactly explain it, but I can see changes that are not for the good. Hope everyone has a good day with their baby. Blessings
Patti

Oh Patti,
I'm so sorry.

Hello you

It has been a tough few days and the trip and storms probably haven't helped. Hoping she will bounce back to her old self soon

Thinking of you both

Big hug, kisses for Tipper

Mel
Cxxx

I too hope Tipper will bounce back. It's been a real trial for both of you lately. This journey has not been an easy one.
Time might be one answer, reevaluate supplements etc too. Also, her levels did start to go low on the vetoryl, did you lower that when you started her back on it?

Big Hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin